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Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conclave: What time will we see black or white smoke? Past elections give clues
More than 130 cardinals will arrive in Vatican City within the week to participate in the upcoming papal conclave, selecting Pope Francis' successor. Though the process is done in secrecy, thousands of onlookers in Rome will await a signal in the sky to learn when the new pontiff is chosen. If black smoke plumes over the Vatican, observers know a new pope has yet to be chosen. If white smoke is spotted, folks will know a new pope has been selected to lead the Catholic Church. Shortly after white smoke appears, the new pope is introduced to the world. Pope Francis, the church's 266th pontiff, died on Easter Monday, April 21. After spending much of the year in the hospital, he died from a stroke and irreversible heart failure at the age of 88. Though he was known for his progressive ideals, Francis' work may have helped create a further divide among the more conservative and liberal patrons of the Catholic Church. Because there may be stronger ideals upheld by cardinals eligible to select the new pope, the upcoming conclave may take longer than usual, Matthew Gabriele, a medieval studies professor at Virginia Tech, told USA TODAY. As the conclave approaches, here's what to know about the religious event and how the general public stays informed about when a new pope is selected. More: Vatican's 'May Madness': Will new pope be progressive or will church turn back the clock? When is the upcoming conclave? The first day of the conclave is Wednesday, May 7. Cardinals attend the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass at St Peter's Basilica, before they enter a conclave on March 12, 2013, in Vatican City to choose the successor of Pope Benedict XVI, who ended up being Pope Francis. (Editors note: A fisheye lens has been used for this picture.) What is a conclave? A papal conclave is an election of a new pope, conducted by the College of Cardinals − bishops and Vatican officials selected by the pope. The cardinals are tasked with voting for one of their colleagues to take over the role of pontiff. As of May 1, 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave, according to The Holy See's College of Cardinals Dashboard. During the conclave, the cardinals are sequestered. They may not communicate with the "outside world" and vice versa. Before voting, the cardinals discuss the needs and challenges facing the Catholic Church. They then gather in St. Peter's Basilica to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit on who should be the successor, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Editor note: A fisheye lens has been used for this picture) Cardinals attend the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome before they enter a conclave to decide who the successor would be for Pope Benedict XVI on March 12, 2013. For the actual election, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy and seal the church's doors. Each cardinal votes by secret ballot. He says a prayer and then drops his ballot in a large chalice, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. If one candidate does not receive a two-thirds majority vote, another election is held. This process is repeated until one candidate has received the necessary votes. The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years (34 months) with the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271, according to EWTN Vatican. On the flip side, Pope Francis was elected just one day after the conclave began in 2013. More: How accurate is the movie 'Conclave' about the election of a new pope? What does the black and white smoke during a conclave mean? Black smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, indicating that no decision has been made after the first voting session on the second day of voting for the election of a new pope March 13, 2013. Roman Catholic Cardinals started a conclave on Tuesday to elect a successor to Pope Benedict, who abdicated last month. Because the cardinals are sequestered during a conclave, black or white smoke, which bellows from a Sistine Chapel chimney, is used to represent the cardinals' decisions for the day. If one candidate doesn't receive the necessary two-thirds vote, the ballots are burned in a stove with a mixture of chemicals to produce black smoke. The black smoke indicates more voting is ahead. If a candidate is selected, the final round of ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke. What time to expect conclave smoke signals There isn't an exact timing for the smoke signals that occur during a conclave, but experts use past conclaves to make educated guesses. Gabriele said that on the conclave's first day − May 7 − it is likely that the cardinals will only conduct one round of voting, as the majority of the day will be spent taking care of introductory business, including a special sermon led by one of the church's top officials. White or black smoke could be expected around 7-8 p.m. local time (1-2 p.m. ET). If a final decision isn't made the first day, folks can expect the next smoke signal to be shared mid-morning the next day − Thursday, May 8. Typically, the cardinals can fit four rounds of voting into one day, if one candidate is not selected. If this is the case, Gabriele said smoke signals will occur around mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon and evening. White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out on March 13, 2013, signaling that Roman Catholic Cardinals had ended their conclave and elected a new leader, who chose the name Pope Francis. The Catholic magazine America predicts the same, with signals at around 10:30 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m. and after 7 p.m. local time − (4:30 a.m., 6 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and after 1 p.m. ET). In 2013, during the conclave in which Pope Francis was elected, the first black smoke signal was spotted at about 7:41 p.m. local time, America Magazine reported. Editor's note: This story has been updated to add a new link. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Conclave: What time will we see black or white smoke? What we know
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cardinals convene for 2025 conclave to choose Pope Francis' successor
Catholic cardinal electors from five continents are gathering at the Vatican for the 2025 conclave to select the next pope. The conclave will convene on Wednesday afternoon, exactly 16 days after the death of 88-year-old Pope Francis, who led the world's 1.4 billion Catholics for 12 years. It is impossible to say how long the conclave will last, but many observers expect the 133 cardinal electors to choose a new pontiff within a few days. Earlier Wednesday, cardinals held a final mass in St. Peter's Basilica, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battisa Re. "We are here to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit, to implore his light and strength so that the pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history," Re told the cardinals. "This is also a strong call to maintain the unity of the Church... a unity that does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity." Who will be the next pope? Here are some of the candidates. Re said the cardinals should pray for "a pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today's society, characterized by great technological progress but which tends to forget God. Today's world expects much from the church regarding the safeguarding of those fundamental human and spiritual values without which human coexistence will not be better nor bring good to future generations." Cardinals attend a Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass ahead of the 2025 papal conclave, in which they will be called to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025. / Credit: Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu/Getty After a gathering in the Apostolic Palace, the most diverse group of electors ever, from at least 70 different countries, were to walk in procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave will be held. The process to select a new pope is shrouded in secrecy, and the cardinal electors will take an oath before the conclave begins, vowing to preserve that secrecy. "In a particular way, we promise and swear to observe with the greatest fidelity and with all persons, clerical or lay, secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff and regarding what occurs in the place of the election, directly or indirectly related to the results of the voting," the cardinals will be asked to swear, in Latin. "We promise and swear not to break this secret in any way, either during or after the election of the new pontiff, unless explicit authorization is granted by the same pontiff." Dozens of less senior Vatican staff and clergy who will play some part in the conclave have already taken a similar vow of secrecy. A view of the interior of the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, at the Vatican, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media/Handout/REUTERS Once the cardinals are locked into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, they will likely hold one round of voting before an evening prayer. If no pope is chosen, black smoke from the chapel chimney will indicate a continuation of the conclave, and voting will resume on Thursday. Why Hegseth is calling for cuts to senior ranks across U.S. military Analyzing Trump's announcement of ceasefire with Houthi rebels in Yemen "Mrs. Dow Jones" suggests consumers follow these steps to boost wealth
Newsweek
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Who Picks the Next Pope? The 135 Cardinals Who Make Up Papal Conclave
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The death of Pope Francis on Monday commenced the process to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church. The election will be held among the 135 cardinals who are eligible to serve in the papal conclave that will meet in the coming weeks. Why It Matters There are more than 1.3 billion Catholics across the globe who will be led by the new pope. Whoever becomes pope will play a key role in shaping the church by overseeing theological matters and making appointments to critical roles. He will also become a key figure in international relations, as well as being a leader on social and political matters. What To Know The papal conclave is the process in which the College of Cardinals pick the new pope. Cardinals who are younger than age 80—the age limit was put in place in 1970 by Pope Paul VI—meet in secrecy at the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes for the new pope. Any baptized Catholic male is eligible to become the next pope. But for centuries, all popes have come from the College of Cardinals. Cardinals attend the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass at St Peter's Basilica before entering the conclave on March 12, 2013, in Vatican City. Cardinals attend the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass at St Peter's Basilica before entering the conclave on March 12, 2013, in Vatican are 135 eligible cardinals who are eligible for the conclave this time around. The majority—108—were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by Pope Benedict XVI and five by Pope John Paul II. The average age of the papal conclave is just under 70.5 years old. The youngest is Cardinal Mykola Bychok, 45, of Ukraine. Pope Francis appointed him to the post in December 2024. Where Are The Cardinals In The Conclave From? A notable feature of the conclave is the increase in geographical diversity compared to the last one in 2013, when Pope Francis was appointed to succeed Pope Benedict. There are 19 eligible cardinals from Africa and 21 from Asia, compared to only 11 and 10, respectively, in the last conclave. Italy, meanwhile, has seen its numbers decline from 28 to 16, though it still remains the most represented nation in the conclave. The United States, Brazil, Spain and France follow Italy with the most cardinals represented. Here is a look at where all 135 cardinals are from. Pope Francis, during his tenure, appointed cardinals from Africa, Asia and South America, diversifying the College of Cardinals. Many of his appointees notably share some of his more progressive views on matters like LGBTQ+ rights, immigration and climate change. He made history as the first pope from Latin America. Many of his appointees came from countries that had never been represented in the College of Cardinals, such as Rwanda, Cape Verde and Mongolia. What People Are Saying Vice President JD Vance, on X, formerly Twitter: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful." Former President Barack Obama, on X: "Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound—embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners—he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another." What Happens Next The church has entered a phase known as Sede Vacante, which triggers a sequence of events designed to honor the deceased pope and prepare for the election. The College of Cardinals is expected to meet this week to make formal funeral plans for Pope Francis. The election of a new pope will take place after the funeral. The cardinals vote by secret ballot up to four times each day until a new pope is chosen. This will go on until two-thirds of the cardinals agree on a new pope. Each time a pope is not chosen, the ballots will be burned with chemicals to produce black smoke to signify that voting will continue. Once the pope is chosen, the ballots will be burned with chemicals to produce white smoke. The most recent elections have taken only a few days. Pope Francis was elected after five ballots, while it took only four ballots to elect Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
Irish Daily Star
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Star
What is a conclave? Inside the secretive process to replace Pope Francis
The Catholic community is in a state of grief following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 , with the process of selecting a new Pope set to begin. The pontiff had been hospitalized for weeks but appeared to have significantly improved when he met with Vice President JD Vance and greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square yesterday. However, Vatican officials confirmed that he sadly passed away at around 7.35am this morning, after his battles with illness. Following the news, speculation is already growing about who will succeed Francis as the new Pope. But how does the process of selecting a new head of the Catholic Church work in practice? Read More Related Articles Pope Francis dies aged 88 after battle with double pneumonia Read More Related Articles JD Vance breaks silence after being one of last to hold audience with Pope Francis after brutal 'snub' Cardinals exit St Peter's Basilica after they attended the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass (Image: Getty Images) Upon the demise or abdication of a Pope, like that of Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican calls together a papal conclave where the College of Cardinals assembles to vote for a new leader of the Church. There are currently 138 cardinal electors out of the 252 who are qualified to cast their ballot according to the regulations effective January 22, 2025. The secret election is conducted within the iconic Sistine Chapel walls, with eligibility confined to cardinals younger than 80 years old. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' site, selecting a new pope typically unfolds over a 15 to 20-day timeline, with four voting sessions per day until a candidate secures a decisive two-thirds majority. Several cardinals are already front-runners to become the next Pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin Parolin most recently discussed a variety of geopolitical topics (Image: Getty Images) At the age of 70, Venetian-born Cardinal Pietro Parolin has been serving as the Secretary of State of the Vatican since 2013, making him the highest-ranking cardinal in the conclave responsible for electing the pope. Parolin is widely respected within the church community as a voice of moderation who avoids taking sides with "left" or "right" political ideologies. In a recent interview with Italian weekly L'Eco di Bergamo, he weighed in on global political issues, asserting, "Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples, otherwise, there will never be a just and lasting peace." Cardinal Peter Erdo The 72-year-old Hungarian has been a well-known conservative voice in the church (Image: Getty Images) Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, aged 72, is known for his devout adoration of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is considered a steadfast Marian. As the head of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe, he is a conservative force within the church, particularly noted for his opposition to divorced or remarried Catholics receiving Holy Communion. He has also drawn links between the acceptance of refugees and human trafficking. In 2003, Erdo was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Tangle has generally displayed more left-leaning politics, much like Pope Francis (Image: AFP/Getty Images) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, from the Philippines, could etch his name in the records as the first-ever Asian Pope. Anointed by Pope Benedict XVI, the 67-year-old is currently the pro-prefect for the Dicastery for Evangelization's section of first evangelization. Tagle has been vocal with his modern views, taking issue with the church's historically strict speech towards LGBTQ folks, single mothers and Catholics either divorced or remarried, much in sync with Pope Francis' more open mindset. Reflecting on this shift in rhetoric, he said in a 2015 statement: "The harsh words that were used in the past to refer to gays and divorced and separated people, the unwed mothers etc, in the past they were quite severe. Many people who belonged to those groups were branded and that led to their isolation from the wider society."
